People often chase the latest buzz online, but the real force of the Internet stays hidden, powering our everyday connections. Beneath the surface of viral trends and eye-catching headlines, the true power of the Internet lies in its ability to connect us, quietly and seamlessly, through a web of intricate systems and technologies.
Internet : The Backbone Of Modern Life
Have you ever wondered what makes our daily life possible? Behind every click and swipe, the Internet is there.
But before we dive into Internet , we should first understand what a network is. A Network is group of interconnected devices(let’s say computers) that communicate with each other for exchanging data. Basically Internet takes this concept to a global scale and connecting computers worldwide.
The term Internet comes from 2 words Interconnection and networks, So The internet is an interconnection of networks that allows computers to communicate globally.
To explain these concept with an example ,
Network : Like the football team of country(e.g. Argentina) where all players are from same Country.
Internet : Like football team of a club(e.g. Barcelona) that has players from all over the world.
Basics of The Internet
The Internet operates on client-server model. Devices acts as a client, which requests and consume services whereas servers are those who provide services. For example when we open our browser and type a website name it sends a request and in return receives the response from site’s server.
At its core Internet is a vast network of devices which are identified by unique numbers called an IP addresses ( e.g. 192.0.2.1 ). But as human find it difficult to memorise , DNS(Domain Name System) was introduced which acts as a “phonebook” that translates a human-readable name( e.g. example.com) to IP addresses.
Multiple IP addresses can point to same name such as we can have different nicknames but they all refer to the same individual.
The devices like your computer or smartphone connects to the internet via a network that can be through Wi-Fi, mobile data etc. These devices communicates with each other using some protocols such as TCP ( Transmission Control Protocol ) & UDP ( User Datagram Protocol ).
How this Internet Works ?
The Internet works in a Stepwise manner which is as follows :-
1. Packet Switching
When we send send an email, load a webpage, the data isn’t sent fully in one go rather it is broken down into small pieces called Packets. Each of these packets contain mainly 2 key elements :-
a portion of data.
source and destination addresses.
These packets travels independently and take the most optimal route for transmission.
Example - when we speaks a sentence we don’t say it all at once. Instead, we say it word by word, and the listener puts the words together to understand the full sentence.
2. Role of Protocols
Protocols are rules that devices follow to communicate with each other. They ensure the smooth transfer of data across the Internet. Some key protocols include:
HTTP/HTTPS: Used for accessing websites. HTTPS is a secure version that encrypts data for safety.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol): Used to upload or download large files.
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol): Handles sending emails.
TCP/UDP: Ensures data packets are sent and received correctly.
These protocols act as the "grammar" of the Internet, allowing devices to understand and respond to each other effectively.
3. Routing and Switching
To deliver packets to the right destination, the Internet relies on routers and switches:
Routers: These act as traffic controllers, directing packets between networks. They determine the best path for packets to travel based on factors like speed and congestion.
Switches: Operate within a local network to manage communication between devices.
Example: Routers and switches are like delivery trucks and local post offices.
Routers direct data packets between networks, like delivery trucks taking letters across cities.
Switches sort and direct packets within a local network, like post offices sorting letters to the right addresses.
4. Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
Your home or office connects to the Internet through an Internet Service Provider (ISP). ISPs provide the necessary infrastructure to link your devices to the global Internet.
ISPs connect your local network to a larger regional network.
From there, it connects to even bigger networks that form the Internet backbone.
Example: Think of ISPs as bridges connecting your neighbourhood to highways that lead to other cities (networks).
5. Role of Servers and Data Centers
Websites, apps, and online services are hosted on powerful computers called servers, which are located in data centers around the world.
When you visit a website like example.com, your request is sent to a server hosting that website.
The server processes the request and sends back the data (HTML, images, videos) to your device.
Example: A server is like a restaurant’s kitchen, preparing and delivering the dish (data) you ordered.
6. The Backbone of the Internet
The Internet’s physical infrastructure includes:
Undersea Cables: Fiber-optic cables laid on the ocean floor connect continents. They carry the majority of international Internet traffic.
Satellites: Provide Internet access in remote areas where physical cables are not feasible.
Fiber Optics and Wireless Networks: These form local connections, ensuring fast and reliable communication.
Example: Undersea cables are like international shipping routes, carrying goods (data) across oceans to their destination.
Together all these components works to ensure the internet connects us all. Now we will look into how a website is opened by the internet.
How a Website is Opened
When you enter a website URL (e.g., www.google.com) in your browser, a series of steps occur behind the scenes to load the requested page:
User Devices (Your Laptop):
- You open a browser on your laptop and type google.com.
Internet Service Providers (ISPs):
- Your laptop sends the request to your Internet Service Provider (e.g., Airtel, Jio) to establish an internet connection.
Routers:
The ISP routes your request through routers, network devices that forward the request towards its destination.
The router ensures the request follows the correct protocols like IP and TCP.
DNS Servers:
- The Domain Name System (DNS) translates google.com into its corresponding IP address (e.g., 172.217.5.110) because devices communicate using IP addresses, not domain names.
Web Servers:
The IP address directs the request to Google's web server, where the website’s data is stored.
The server processes your request and prepares the necessary data (e.g., Google’s homepage).
Data Response:
- The data travels back through the routers, ISP, and eventually reaches your laptop, where the requested page (Google homepage) is displayed in your browser.
Summary
The internet is a powerful, unseen force that drives modern life by seamlessly connecting devices worldwide. It functions through a vast network known as the ‘internet,’ built on the client-server model, where devices communicate using unique IP addresses translated by the DNS. Core operations involve packet switching, protocols like HTTP/HTTPS, and routing by routers and switches. Internet Service Providers link local to global networks, while servers and data centers host websites and apps. The internet’s infrastructure includes undersea cables and satellites, facilitating global connectivity. When accessing a website, a series of processes involving ISPs, DNS, routers, and web servers work together to deliver the requested content to your device.